Chapter 331 No Need for That
Malcolm’s face turned a ghostly shade as he was caught off guard by Meryl’s audacious public mention of their estranged relationship.
Bringing family drama into the open like this was a surefire way to turn them into the laughingstock of the Stone family.
“After all the blood, sweat, and tears I poured into raising you, you can’t even recognize your own parents? What a disgraceful daughter you are!”
He shook his head, as if Meryl were a lost cause.
“Lydia, on the other hand, appreciates the Stone family’s support. She’s devoted and thoughtful. How can you two be so different?”
Malcolm’s words dripped with disdain, clearly trying to lay all the blame at Meryl’s feet.
Meryl scoffed, saying, “If Lydia’s so great, why don’t you go bother her instead? What’s with the obsession with me?”
She took a couple of steps back, creating space between them, her patience wearing thin.
Malcolm gritted his teeth, thinking, “How did Bianca end up giving birth to such a stubborn child? Here I am, apologizing, offering gifts, even giving her the deed to… It’s clear now – this girl is heartless! She thinks she can throw her weight around just because she’s cozying up to Chandler. Little does she know that once I make my connection with Harvey, Chandler won’t matter at all. I won’t have to cater to his whims anymore!”
Malcolm said, casting a glance at Harvey, “Mr. Herty, this girl is too headstrong. She doesn’t know how to bend, and stubbornness like hers makes it hard to teach. Even if you were to take her on, I doubt you’d be able to manage her.
“I have another daughter named Lydia. She’s a phenomenal cellist, even better than Meryl. I can arrange for you to hear her play sometime; I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.”
As he spoke, Malcolm scrolled through his phone, searching for videos of Lydia’s past performances.
Meryl couldn’t help but sneer.
Even now, Malcolm was still favoring Lydia, as if she were the only one who mattered.
All those gestures of goodwill had been nothing but a facade.
Thank goodness she had never bought into her father’s unreliable promises.
Harvey’s expression darkened, his displeasure evident. “No need for that.”
He waved his hand dismissively, a clear signal that he wanted nothing to do with Malcolm’s schemes.
“I don’t just take anyone under my wing. A person’s character matters just as much as their talent. Your other daughter? Her character leaves much to be desired.”
Malcolm instinctively defended Lydia, “My Lydia is dutiful and kind-hearted! She’s as good as they come!”
“Is that so?”
Harvey raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.
While he didn’t keep tabs on the inner workings of the Kingdom wealthy family, he had heard enough about the Stone family’s recent scandals to form an opinion.
Setting aside Lydia’s supposed virtues, the fact that she had stolen her sister’s fiancé and had been cornered by a mob of reporters outside a hotel was enough to turn heads.
In the world of the elite, gossip and scandals were a part of the high society’s fabric.
However, in the circles of true power, character was paramount, and scandals were strictly off-limits.
With Lydia’s behavior making headlines, she was nothing more than a joke in the eyes of those who mattered.
Harvey’s patience wore thin. “If you think Lydia is so great, then by all means, go find someone else to mentor her.”
With that, he turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Malcolm standing there, stunned and speechless.